Connexion

Bernard Fontana appointed to lead EDF and steer its industrial strategy

The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.

Partagez:

The French State has selected Bernard Fontana to succeed Luc Rémont as Chairman of Électricité de France (EDF), a company fully owned by the government. Aged 64, this graduate of École Polytechnique and the École nationale supérieure de techniques avancées (ENSTA) has built his career within energy-intensive industries, which are facing mounting global competition. He is also deeply familiar with the technical and economic issues of nuclear energy, a cornerstone of France’s energy recovery strategy.

A profile shaped in heavy industry

Born in Tamatave, Madagascar, Bernard Fontana began his career in 1987 at the Société nationale des poudres et explosifs (SNPE), which specialises in the propulsion of civilian and military ballistic devices. He rose to the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer, responsible for the chemical division. From 2004 to 2012, he joined steelmaker ArcelorMittal where he led the human resources division, before assuming the role of CEO of the Swiss cement company Holcim. There, he oversaw the merger with French firm Lafarge—an emblematic operation in the sector.

A central figure in EDF’s nuclear strategy

Since 2015, Bernard Fontana has served as the head of Framatome, EDF’s subsidiary responsible for designing and commissioning nuclear reactors. His tenure focused on the company’s recovery after losses linked to failed investments and the post-Fukushima crisis. In March 2024, during EDF’s nuclear division restructuring, he also took charge of the group’s “Industry and Services” division, becoming a key figure within the evolving industrial apparatus.

A strategic position at the intersection of tariffs and industry

The appointment comes as EDF is engaged in protracted negotiations with industrial clients to establish long-term electricity pricing agreements. Bernard Fontana is well acquainted with the demands of energy-intensive sectors such as steel, chemicals, and construction materials, all exposed to price volatility and extra-European competition. His background may support a closer alignment between national industrial policy and EDF’s energy supply commitments.

  • Populaires ​
TerraPower raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
France sets renewable energy target of 200 TWh by 2030
Indonesia and Russia strengthen strategic partnership on civil nuclear energy
EDF and the French State Agree on €70 Billion Plan for EPR2
Spain Blackout: Analysis of Causes and European Financing Plan Approved
New European Battery Regulation Disrupts Europe’s Industrial Sector
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
European Parliament urges Brussels to act on energy grids
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
Europe Commits Major Investments to Electricity Grids and the Clean Industrial Deal
The European Commission unveils an ambitious plan to modernize electricity grids and introduces the Clean Industrial Deal, mobilizing hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen the continent's industrial and energy autonomy.
Wood Mackenzie highlights advantage of regulated utilities amid data centre boom
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
United States: emissions stagnate in 2024, uncertainty under Trump administration
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
France: Anticipated Energy Decree, National Assembly Denounces Democratic Risk
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
European Union Sets Precise Timeline for Russian Gas Import Ban
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.
Madagascar invests in thermal power plant to counter chronic power cuts
Madagascar plans the imminent opening of a 105 MW thermal power plant to swiftly stabilise its electricity grid, severely affected in major urban areas, while simultaneously developing renewable energy projects.
India proposes virtual power purchase agreements for industrial companies
India's Central Electricity Regulatory Commission proposes a new financial instrument enabling industrial companies to meet renewable energy targets through virtual contracts, without physical electricity delivery, thus facilitating compliance management.
France Accelerates PPE with Decree Expected Before September 2025
Minister Marc Ferracci confirms the imminent publication of the energy programming decree, without waiting for the conclusion of parliamentary debates, including a substantial increase in Energy Efficiency Certificates.
Brussels increases pressure on states to guarantee affordable energy
At a conference held on June 11, Brussels reaffirmed its goal to reduce energy costs for households and businesses by relying on targeted investments and greater consumer involvement.
Brussels seeks to accelerate permitting for renewable energy projects
The European Commission held a high-level dialogue to identify administrative obstacles delaying renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects across the European Union.
Liberia mobilises $300mn for its power grid but still faces a 51.8% supply gap
Despite increased generation capacity and lower tariffs, Liberia continues to rely on electricity imports to meet growing demand, particularly during the dry season.
Lee Jae-myung could slow nuclear expansion in South Korea
South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, is reviewing the national energy policy, aiming to rebalance nuclear regulations without immediately shutting down reactors currently in operation.
CRE adopts 237 decisions and targets grid adaptation by 2028
The French Energy Regulatory Commission released its 2024 annual report, highlighting sustained activity on grid infrastructure, pricing, and evolving European regulatory frameworks.
Washington significantly reduces penalties imposed on foreign LNG tankers and vehicle carriers
The United States is easing proposed penalties for foreign LNG tankers and vehicle carriers, sharply reducing initial costs for international operators while maintaining strategic support objectives for the American merchant marine.
Africa captures only 2% of global clean energy investment in 2025
While capital is flowing into clean technologies globally, Africa remains marginalised, receiving only a fraction of the expected flows, according to the International Energy Agency.
Mexico targets up to $9bn in private investment for renewable energy
The Mexican government aims to mobilise up to $9bn in private investment by 2030, but the lack of a clear commercial framework raises doubts within the industry.
United States cancels fuel economy standards set by Biden
The U.S. Department of Transportation is withdrawing strict fuel economy standards adopted under Biden, citing overreach in legal authority regarding the integration of electric vehicles into regulatory calculations for automakers.
Renewable energies accounted for 33.9% of electricity consumption in France in 2024
In 2024, renewable energies covered 33.9% of electricity consumption in metropolitan France, driven by increased hydropower output and solar capacity expansion.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS